Serving thousands of local households annually through a client-choice model.
Our Philosophy
Compassion. Dignity. Respect.
Our Story
Dunedin Cares Food Pantry emerged from the need identified by the Dunedin Social Services committee. Our community faced hunger, forgotten families, and limited resources for assistance. Surveys revealed poverty caused by job loss, illness, financial setbacks, and medical bills, leaving little for food after paying rent and utilities. With few food pantries available, local churches attempted to help but lacked the capacity. Dunedin Cares was formed to address these gaps and provide essential support to those in need.
As a result of 4 years of surveys, meetings, discussions, and the hunger issue growing, Ed Hughes and recruited board members formed Dunedin Cares, Inc. a Florida corporation with 501(c)3, nonprofit status.
It was brought to the attention of The Board of Directors of Faith Lutheran Church that Dunedin Cares was looking for a permanent location for their food pantry. The Board approved, allowing Dunedin Cares, Inc. to operate the Food Pantry in a room located in the back of the church. The 600-square-foot space comes with its own rear entrance that works well for food distribution.
The Food Pantry opened its doors on November 12, 2015, for the first distribution of food bags to Dunedin residents in need, providing food, help, and hope. Over time we evolved from providing food bags to our clients to our current “Supermarket” approach, which encourages our clients to choose the items they would prefer.
In the first two years, Dunedin Cares experienced a steady 15% growth in clientele each month. By the fall of 2017, the organization had outgrown its existing donated space. Fortunately, two local churches stepped forward with incredible generosity. One church provided temporary space, while the other offered a property where a donated modular building could be located. The donated modular was successfully moved to the new location, and extensive renovations were undertaken to meet Public Safety codes. After completing the necessary upgrades and passing inspections, Dunedin Cares Food Pantry was ready to welcome clients at the new facility on April 4, 2018.
With the opening of the new food pantry, Dunedin Cares has tripled our square footage. We could not have done this without the generous donations and the many hours our volunteers gave.
Testimonials
“Thank you for what you do to help area friends in need.”
“We wish to express our sincere gratitude for your support of “Honoring the Service of Vietnam Era Veterans.” The beautiful display of the Vietnam Service Ribbon made from canned goods was a huge hit with the veterans”
Daughters of the American Revolution
"Thank You"
“My husband and I would like to thank you for your generosity. The end of the month is very difficult for us with food provisions we use everything.
If you need volunteer help for the holiday time I would like to give back my time.”
“A Piece of Peace”
“I’d like to extend my gratitude once again for my experience with Dunedin Cares. Not only for the food or his over-the-ordinary efforts but mostly for allowing me to be in a moment of true care.
For me, this is a place where I found a piece of peace. Thank you, Lord, for sending me there and being able to meet a man of your faith.”
Edward (Ed) Hughes
Dunedin Cares Founder & First President
It is with heavy hearts that the Dunedin Cares Family said our final goodbyes to our beloved leader. Ed Hughes, Dunedin Cares Founder and President passed away on July 25, 2019, at the age of 80. Ed and his wife, Grace moved to Florida 14 years ago from Long Island, New York, and immediately became involved with the community.
In addition to being an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin, Ed became involved in numerous volunteer activities throughout our county. Ed’s strong determination in the fight to alleviate food insecurity in our community guided him through the lengthy process to establish Dunedin Cares Inc.’s Food Pantry in 2015.
This past May, Ed was honored at a luncheon introducing him as one of the 2019 Inductees to Dunedin’s Senior Hall of Fame for his contributions to the City of Dunedin and its residents.
Even as his time approached, Dunedin Cares was in his thoughts, conferring on grants and requesting in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation be made to Dunedin Cares Inc. (P.O. Box 1435, Dunedin FL 34697).
Ed’s altruistic attitude never stopped.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Grace; three daughters, Grace (Michael) Sherman, Mary (Keith) Edrehi, and Elizabeth (Michael) Separ; brother, Joseph Hughes of New York and eight grandchildren.
Ed was a leader, mentor, teacher, and father figure to the volunteers at Dunedin Cares. His towering presence and over sized grin will be missed by so many at the pantry but certainly not forgotten.
Your guidance will be missed Ed but we will continue your work until hopefully the job gets done.
